Gallopin' Gallagher On The Range ....

[PJ Hardtack]

Got my ERMA Gallagher back from the 'smith t'other day. I had him install a .50 calibre liner. Originally it was .54. I had 20 loaded rounds ready to go, so off to the range I go .....

The cases were loaded with 40-42 grains FFFg and a Rapine 375 gr RNFP bullet, soft lead. The powder charge came right up to the shoulder inside the cases on which the bullet bases rest. The bullets were sized .512 and lubed with SPG.

The original Gallagher tested in Schiffers book on Civil War Carbines had a .514 bore with a groove diameter .529, so I'm in the ball park. In his tests, Schiffers used the same Rapine 370-375 bullet as cast at .520. He used slightly larger diameter bullets as well, getting dismal accuracy.
The original Gallaghers were not known for their accuracy, barely capable of 'minute-of-horse' at 100 yds, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was surprised ....

My first three rds off hand at 25 yds printed a triangular 2-1/2" group on point of aim! The next four rds printed into 2-1/2" as well, but two inches lower. Hmmm ..... Bore fouling? I put a wet patch down the bore and a dry one and continued .....

I trudged through knee deep snow to post a target at 50 yds. From an improvised rest, I fired five rds. They printed in a 3-1/2" group, 5" left of my POA but right on for elevation. I can't account for the left windage, but now it was time for some 50 yd off hand.

We have a 10"x12" gong at 50 yds for pistols. Knowing the Gallagher was printing to the left, I held at 3 o'clock on the edge of the plate - "Bang!" "Clang!" I burned up my remaining ammo on the gong.
I had one misfire total because I failed to notice the nipple vent was plugged by residue from the last shot. The next cap fired the round.

Next time out it will be on a 100 yd SASS Cowboy sil at 100 yds. I think I have a keeper in this Gallagher! Whadyathink .... ?

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Hi,

I have a friend with a Gallagher ... and he works for Tandy here ....

Next time you shoot, get, some pics!

This was meant to be jovial, not hard----ed *S*


TTFN,

[PJ Hardtack]

When I learn how to post pics .....

Considering the technology, the crudity of the sights and the trigger pull, I regard my results with the Gallagher as phenomenal.
It has exceeded my expectations of it, something I can't always say about guns I've had worked on.

I even found a way to clean the rear, receiver end of the two part chamber without dismantling the gun.

As I was leaving the range, three guys showed up with modern, high tech synthetic stocks rifles with big scopes. They boggled. If I had some ammo left, I would have challenged them to an off hand match at 50 yds.

Next time ..... ;>)

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Reminds me of when I still had a sailboat ....

This guy pulled up to me in one of those ski/drag boats and challenged me to a race.

You should have heard him backpedal when I said, 'Sure; here to the Golden Gate & back on one tank of gas ...'

Sometimes older technologies can work the best .... *VBS*

[Steel Horse Bailey]